Halloween Events in St. Louis Oct. 27-31

Even if your family has been celebrating Halloween for most of October, nothing can top Halloween weekend to bring out the ghouls, goblins, witches, superheroes and trick-or-treating fun. Get ready, because your kids' costumes will get a real workout this weekend! Here's what's happening Oct. 27-31 all across the St. Louis area. Please note: some events require reservations. Happy Halloween!

All Weekend:

Haunted Hayloft at Purina Farms

The annual Purina Farms Haunted Hayloft is a St. Louis favorite and offers down-on-the-farm fun complete with animals, a costume contest, puppet shows, storytelling, trick-or-treating, pumpkin painting, canine performances, adoptable dogs, magic shows and more. Kids up to age 12 are invited to participate in the costume contest at the Incredible Dog Arena for a chance to win a $25 Purina Farms gift card! Call 314-982-3232 Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. to make reservations.  Haunted Hayloft will be held Friday and Saturday from 4:30 to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 2:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Admission is free; parking is $5 per car. Reservations are required. More information: purinafarms.com

Not-So-Haunted House at The Magic House

Dress up and trick or treat at everyone’s favorite house, The Magic House. Kids can collect autographs from 15 of their favorite storybook characters, from Alice in Wonderland to Harry Potter, Cinderella, Peter Pan and more as they trick or treat through four levels of Halloween fun. Kids will receive a trick-or-treat bag and an autograph book and can explore all the fun of The Magic House in their costumes. October 28-30 at the Magic House. Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Free with regular admission.

More information: magichouse.org

The BOOterfly House: Bewitching Bugs and Botanicals

The Butterfly House becomes The BOOterfly House this October to celebrate all things creepy and crawly. Kids can spy on spectacular spiders, enjoy daily story times with Miss Muffet and see Live Carnivorous Plant feedings. Meet new frightful friends in the Scorpion's Lair, watch out for Botanicals Gone Mad in the Conservatory and spy on spectacular spiders with Little Miss Muffet! The BOOterfly House activities are happening during October (Tuesdays through Sundays) at The Butterfly House in Faust Park. All activities are included with admission.  Story time with Miss Muffet happens daily at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Live Carnivorous Plant Feedings are held at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The Butterfly House is closed on Mondays. BOOterfly House activities will be held 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays through Oct. 31.  More information: butterflyhouse.org

Halloween at Grant's Farm 

Get into the Halloween spirit with some spooky fun and celebrate with the animals at Grant's Farm. Enjoy Halloween-themed shows, a DJ in the Bauernhof courtyard and dark Deer Park rides. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The parking lot opens at 5:45 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring flashlights to search for animals during the dark Deer Park rides. Parking is $20 per car. Walk-ups are $5 per person. More information: grantsfarm.com

Boo at the Zoo Nights

This classic kiddie Halloween spectacular is a St. Louis classic. Visit the Zoo after dark to enjoy festive lights and mildly spooky scenes. Explore a straw maze, listen to fire side stories, make a craft and ride the “Scare-ou-sel.” Wander the Herpetarium at night to see the zoo’s resident creepy crawlies and check out the Children’s Zoo for live animal shows. And for some daytime Halloween fun at the Zoo, check out Boo at the Zoo Spooky Saturday on Oct. 29. 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. nightly. For ages 2 to 12 in costume. Tickets are available on-site or in advance online. Cost is $6 for Zoo members, $7 for non-members, and free fir children under 2. $1 discount for kids ages 2-12 in costume.

More information: stlzoo.org

Haunted Hayrides and Pumpkin Jamboree

There is lots of ghoulish fun for all ages on hayrides through Eckert's haunted orchards. Hayrides happen on Friday and Saturday nights after the sun goes down at Eckert Farms in Millstadt. You can also ride the wagons during daytime hours out to the pumpkin patch to search for your great pumpkin, even one up to 150 pounds, at the Pumpkin Jamboree. There will be live music, pony rides, a petting farm, children’s activities, make-your-own scarecrow, funnel cakes and festival foods. At Eckerts Farms in Belleville, Millstadt and Grafton, Ill. More information: eckerts.com

Thursday, October 27:

Science Spooktacular at the Saint Louis Science Center

Science gets spooky at the Saint Louis Science Center's annual Halloween party! Bring your little ghouls, goblins, astronauts and dinosaurs to this Halloween event for hands-on, spell-binding science. You can even get spooked in the Haunted Lab as you make your own slimy creation. The whole family is encouraged to come in costume. (Visitors over the age of 12 are asked not to wear masks.) 

You'll see pumpkins fall from the highest floor of the Science Center in an amazing science demonstration, "Spooky Science Goes Splat,"  observe the First Quarter Moon at free telescope viewings, see Halloween-themed movies in the OMNIMAX Theater, make your own slimy creations, explore Halloween optical illusions in the prep lab, learn science jokes for Halloween, make a monster in the Halloween Maker Space, and lots more. You can also see a special presentation exploring the Halloween sky in the James S. McDonnell Planetarium. 5 to 8 p.m at the Saint Louis Science Center. General admission is free; additional fees apply for some programming. For additional information and to sign up for reservation-only activities, go to slsc.org

Halloween Walk in Kirkwood

Children can trick or treat in costume at participating downtown Kirkwood businesses and City Hall. The Kirkwood Greentree Church is also hosting its annual Harvest Party from 5-8 p.m. at 100 Kirkwood Place and will be giving out free hot dogs and candy. Kirkwood City Hall is giving out candy from 3 to 5 p.m. More information: downtownkirkwood.com

Halloween Parade at Westport Plaza

Costumed kids ages 10 and under are invited to the annual "All Hallows Eve" costume parade at Westport Plaza. The parade kicks off at the back entrance of Westport Plaza by Hickey College. In case of inclement weather, the parade will be held inside the mall.  6 to 8 p.m. at Westport Plaza. Co-sponsored by the City of Maryland Heights. More information can be found here

Friday, October 28:

Brentwood Spooktacular

The annual Brentwood Spooktacular is a night of spooky fun for the whole family. There will be a bounce house, Halloween storytelling, pumpkin rescue and painting, a cupcake walk, festival games and lots more. Held at Memorial Park and the Mid-County YMCA. Cost is $10 per family for Y members or Brentwood residents, and $15 per family for all others if you pre-register. Fees increase for at-the-door admission. 6 to 8 p.m. More information and to register: gwrymca.org

Halloween Spooktacular on Ice

If your kids like skating and Halloween fun, it doesn't get any cooler than this! Get the family together, put on your costumes, and come to the St. Peters Rec-Plex ice rink for the Halloween Spooktacular on Ice on Oct. 28 from 7-9 p.m. Hosted by the St. Peters Figure Skating Association, the Halloween Spooktacular on Ice includes ice skating, games, door prizes, and a costume contest. The cost is $10 for each participant and skate rental is included. Some costume restrictions apply, including no masks or facial coverings, no costumes or accessories that drag below your feet, no offensive costumes, and no costumes that may prohibit the movement of your arms or legs. All participants must wear skates on the ice. More information and online registration:  stpetersmo.net

Happy Halloween Party

The Magic House and St. Louis Children's Hospital will host Happy Halloween Party, a daytime, candy-free celebration that includes a trick or treat scavenger hunt where children can collect active-play treats, participate in a cardio dance party and hands-on fitness activities. They'll even make a healthy snack with the St. Louis Children's Hospital resident chef. Activities are free with museum admission. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. More information: magichouse.org

Family Ghoulish Party and Movie Spooktacular

Put on your costumes and head over to Fireman's Park for the all new Family Ghoulish Party and Movie Spooktacular sponsored by the Wentzville Firefighters Community Outreach and Wentzville Park and Recreation. Families will enjoy games, Halloween activities, a costume contest, a hay maze and giveaways. Every pre-registered child age 14 and under will receive their own pumpkin. All who pre-register will also receive a hot dog, chips and drink. The movie Hocus Pocus will be shown on the big screen. Bring blankets or lawn chairs for seating. At Fireman's Park in Wentzville. Cost is $5 for residents and $7 for non-residents. The event starts at 5:30 p.m. and the movie begins at 7 p.m.  More information and registration: wentzvillemo.org

Storytelling at the Museum: Trick or Treat

Preschoolers will hear stories about Halloween at this free storytime at the Missouri History Museum. This 45-minute session includes hands-on crafts and other activities. 10:30 a.m. Free. More information: mohistory.org

Saturday, October 29:

Boo at the Zoo Spooky Saturday

Mummies and daddies are invited to bring their little ghouls and goblins to a day of safe and free trick-or-treating at the St. Louis Zoo's Spooky Saturday. Kids will encounter surprises and goodies along the way, along with their favorite costumed characters and entertainment. Kids 12 and under should wear their Halloween costumes because there will be plenty of photo opportunities, including haystacks, pumpkins, and of course, the Zoo animals! It is a safe Halloween event all ghouls and goblins are sure to enjoy. Because Boo at the Zoo Spooky Saturday is a family-friendly event, visitors over age 13 in costume are not allowed unless they are accompanying children. Specifically, the Zoo's policy requires no adults can be wearing a mask or otherwise have their face covered with face-painting, etc. Admission is free. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  More information: stlzoo.org

Children's Costume Parade and Party in the Central West End

Kids are the star of the show during the Central West End's Children's Costume Parade and Party. The parade begins at 11 a.m. on Oct. 29 at Walton & McPherson. Children in their favorite costumes will be escorted by the Cinderella and her carriage, Moolah Shriners in their YOMO cars, clowns, face painters and more. After the parade, kids can trick or treat at participating businesses throughout the Central West End until 1 p.m. A dog parade and party begins at 1 p.m. Registration is required for the dog parade only. More information: cwescene.com

Family Fun Saturday at the Kemper Art Museum

Join the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum on Oct. 29 for Family Fun Saturday, with interactive art experiences, family-friendly performances, and lots more for all ages. Come in costume and receive a special prize! Activities include collage making, storytelling, button making, snacks, family-friendly tours of the exhibits and much more. A special treat will be a spoken word, family-friendly hip hop performance by St. Louis Story Stitchers. Visitors will enjoy stories about artists like Jackson Pollock and Matisse, and all ages can take part in an emoji scavenger hunt! Find the artworks that correspond to the emojis and be entered to win a special prize.

11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Ongoing art activities and games for all. The Saint Louis Stitchers spoken word and hip hop performance begins at noon. Family-friendly tours of the exhibit are scheduled for 1 and 2 p.m. Family Fun Saturday is free and open to all. More information: kemperartmuseum.wustl.edu

Seasonal Closing Activities at the Children's Garden

Enjoy the waterfall, steamboat, cave, rope bridges, tree house and other amenities in the garden and take part in special activities, including:

• Pot-A-Plant: Visitors of all ages can visit the potting station to select a winter-hardy plant to pot and take home. Each plant goes home with a special tip sheet to help you care for the plant this winter.
• Nature Impressions: Little ones can dig into their natural curiosities and discover the patterns, shapes and details that are in their favorite leaves, flowers, seeds and rocks. Using clay and natural materials found in the Children's Garden, kids can make nature pendants to take home and wear, hang in the window or dangle on their holiday tree.
• Nature Masks: Kids can explore their creativity and make a unique mask to celebrate the changing of the seasons.
• Create a Nature Journal: Explore nature in the Children's Garden with your new nature journal. Kids will use observation skills to draw and write what they see in the whole new way. Make a creative nature journal of your very own from natural materials and bring it with you next season!
• Watercolor Webs: Learn about Missouri spiders and their webs while creating your very own web using crayons and watercolors.
• Finn-tastic Face Painting: Who doesn't love face painting? Volunteers will create snazzy fall-inspired cheek art!

Children's Garden activities are scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days. Meet Finn, the Children's Garden friendly frog mascot on Saturday at 11 a.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. Other scheduled events include a visit from live native creatures at the World Bird Sanctuary on Saturday at 11 a.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m.; and live music by WildHeart, the Emmy award-winning educators and entertainers Jan and George Syrigos, at 11 a.m. on Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday. Activities are included with admission to the Children's Garden of $5 per child ages 3 to 12 ($3 per child for Garden members' children). For more information: visit mobot.org

Ghost Stories at Jefferson Barracks

Hear spooky stories told by costumed storytellers above the bluffs of the Mississippi at Jefferson Barracks. Candlelight and creaking floors in the building and wood fires and noises from the woods set the scene for this once-a-year exclusive. For all ages. Advance registration is required. 6:30 or 8 p.m. All ages. $5 per person. More information and registration: stlouisco.com

Tricks & Treats on Park

The 7th annual Tricks and Treats on Park Childrens' and Pets' Halloween Party is set for Oct. 29. Kids can trick or treat at Lafayette Square businesses, and there will be special treats for your four-legged friends too. There will also be games at the Plaza Fountain, a pet and children's costume contest and a parade, which starts at 12:30 p.m. Trick or treating begins at 11 a.m. More information: lafayettesquare.org

Halloween at the Confluence Tower

Get spooky at the Confluence Tower where there will be treats for all kids. Wear a costume and receive $1 off admission. 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower in Hartford, Ill. More information: confluencetower.com

Sunday, October 30:

Fall Into Science: Farm Fest

Kids will love watching Science Goes Splat demonstrations with apples, pumpkins and squash, visitors will learn about dinosaurs (the original chickes), enjoy fantastic food samples (pumpkin ice cream and a caramel apple bar anyone?), a chili cook off, roasted corn, pumpkin pastries, beer and wine tasting for mom and dad, and fun fall activities for all ages. You'll learn what happens on the farm during harvest! During Fall Into Science: Farm Fest, you'll learn how dinosaurs were the original chickens and enjoy a solar observation. There will also be a home brewing demonstration wtih Urban Chestnut Brewing Company at 2 p.m. Your family can also enjoy everything the new GROW exhibit has to offer, including tons of hands-on activities for kids. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Saint Louis Science Center. Free. More information: slsc.org

Seasonal Closing Activities at the Children's Garden

Enjoy the waterfall, steamboat, cave, rope bridges, tree house and other amenities in the garden and take part in special activities, including:

• Pot-A-Plant: Visitors of all ages can visit the potting station to select a winter-hardy plant to pot and take home. Each plant goes home with a special tip sheet to help you care for the plant this winter.
• Nature Impressions: Little ones can dig into their natural curiosities and discover the patterns, shapes and details that are in their favorite leaves, flowers, seeds and rocks. Using clay and natural materials found in the Children's Garden, kids can make nature pendants to take home and wear, hang in the window or dangle on their holiday tree.
• Nature Masks: Kids can explore their creativity and make a unique mask to celebrate the changing of the seasons.
• Create a Nature Journal: Explore nature in the Children's Garden with your new nature journal. Kids will use observation skills to draw and write what they see in the whole new way. Make a creative nature journal of your very own from natural materials and bring it with you next season!
• Watercolor Webs: Learn about Missouri spiders and their webs while creating your very own web using crayons and watercolors.
• Finn-tastic Face Painting: Who doesn't love face painting? Volunteers will create snazzy fall-inspired cheek art!

Children's Garden activities are scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days. Meet Finn, the Children's Garden friendly frog mascot on Saturday at 11 a.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. Other scheduled events include a visit from live native creatures at the World Bird Sanctuary on Saturday at 11 a.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m.; and live music by WildHeart, the Emmy award-winning educators and entertainers Jan and George Syrigos, at 11 a.m. on Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday. Activities are included with admission to the Children's Garden of $5 per child ages 3 to 12 ($3 per child for Garden members' children). For more information: visit mobot.org

Halloween Concert Party at the Musical Merry-Go-Round

Join in on the fun as the KDHX Musical Merry-Go-Round welcomes the family of musicians Chibi Kodama for a fun Halloween concert. Costumes are very much encouraged! Chibi Kodama is a musical family of 7: Mom Yvonne and dad John and five little girls ages 1-13, and together they make big, high-energy electronic rock that the whole family can enjoy. Hailing from west Tennessee, Chibi Kodama sings anthems of the highs and lows of growing up, being a grown up, and all of the crazy life in between. They dance, laugh, play and do the best they can to leave concert-goers with something special. The 1 p.m. matinee will be held at the Tick Tock Tavern. Doors open at 12:30. Seating is limited and advance tickets are encouraged. Tickets are $10 per person for ages 2 and up. Children under 24 months are free but must sit on a ticketed adult's lap. Get advance tickets and more information at chibi.brownpapertickets.com

Pumpkin Carving in the Park

It's time for a fun afternoon of pumpkin carving! Join a park ranger at Suson Park, where pumpkins, carving tools and designs will be provided. You can also bring your own favorite designs, or just free-hand carve.  1 to 2:30 p.m. at Suson Park. Cost is $10 per person. For all ages. Registration is required by calling 314-615-4386. More information: stlouisco.com

Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade in the Loop

Bring your four-legged friends and your kids to this Halloween pet costume parade on Oct. 30 in the Delmar Loop. Your pets can strut their stuff through the Loop and compete for awards.  Registration begins at 11 a.m., and the parade begins at 1 p.m. The award ceremony is at 2 p.m. Click here for more information.

Monday, October 31:

Halloween BOO-nanza

This fun family event includes hayrides, a marshmallow roast around the bonfire, and a scavenger hunt where the first 10 kids to finish will receive a prize. There will also be fun with crafts and pumpkins, and a costume contest. Don't miss the Haunted Caverns at the end of the program.  6 to 8 p.m. Free. For all ages. At the North County Recreation Complex. More information: stlouisco.com

Halloween Hoopla

Your family is invited to join the friendly ghosts and howling goblins at the Halloween Hoopla. This free event is designed to kick off your Halloween trick or treating and is for all ages. There will be games, lots of kids activities and fun for all. Bring your little pumpkins to Frontier Park in St. Charles, where the fun will be set up between the Jaycee Stage and Katy Depot. Free and open to all. No reservations are necessary. 3 to 6 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 31. More information: stcharlesparks.com

Halloween Party and Parade

Kids should come dressed in their costumes for this Halloween Parade and Party in Lafayette Park. The event will start at the Lafayette Park Playground with trick or treating, carriage rides, carnival games, snacks and more. Everyone is welcome to this free event to participate or to hand out goodies to the kids. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. More information: lafayettesquare.org

Chesterfield Mall Trick or Treat

Kids can trick or treat at participating stores at Chesterfield Mall from 5 to 8 p.m. Some stores will have special prizes. Girls who visit the American Girl store in costume will receive a sweet treat and extra surprise. The carousel will also be in operation.  More information: chesterfield-mall.com

Creve Coeur Neighborhood Watch Halloween Party

Stop by the Creve Coeur Goverment Center where the Creve Coeur Police Department and Neighborhood Watch will pass out treats to trick-or-treaters. Police cars will also be decorated! Wear your creative costumes and make this one of your stops on Halloween night. 4 to 6 p.m. at the Creve Coeur Government Center's Multipurpose Room. Free. More information can be found here

Remember, you can always find lots of fun family events and activities in our Things To Do calendar. Want a daily list sent to you? Get our daily Things To Do email.